When Avis Rent A Car launched a blog earlier this year, one of the first comments was from a shareholder questioning its cost.

But Xavier Vallée, the firm’s UK head of marketing, believes its investment has provided value for money across a range of activities, including branding, PR, customer service and product development. Here, he talks about how Avis manages the blog and how it has improved its dialogue with customers.

UK insurance comparison engine Confused.com has hit out at Direct Line over a recent TV advertising campaign that claims customers buying insurance via a comparison site could be missing out on additional benefits.

Direct Line's recent ad campaign has attempted to deter consumers from using price comparison sites by labelling them as 'middlemen' that add costs and complications for consumers.

Apple is said to be in talks with major Hollywood film studios about an online movie rental service. It already has tie-ups with Walt Disney and Paramount for downloads, and is now apparently looking to expand into rentals.

The FT reports that Apple is in advanced talks over the deal, and hopes to launch the service in the autumn. A film would cost $2.99 for a 30-day rental.